Do the most good with your giving this year when you donate to homeless charities like Opportunity House in Pennsylvania. When you contribute to supporting the most vulnerable in society, the benefits extend to the entire community.
Opportunity House provides shelter and support services to the homeless population of Berks County 24/7, 365. We serve approximately 500 men, women, and children each year, providing the essentials for daily life and assistance with overcoming the challenges they face in securing and maintaining housing.
Residents of Opportunity House receive essential clothing items, hygiene products, three meals and a snack each day, access to shower facilities, and a place to do laundry.
Residents face different challenges, so we offer various services, all targeted and overseen by a dedicated case manager. From securing identification and licensing to assisting with rehab, medical care, job training, and educational support, the journey out of homelessness requires effort and support. We also operate transitional and permanent housing units.
The Second Street Learning Center is a Keystone 4-Star learning center where we welcome children aged six weeks to 13 years old. Approximately 200 children receive early educational services here each year, allowing residents with children to work, attend classes, or learn job skills.
The OppShop retail thrift store that we operate is also vital to our mission. Here, we resell second-hand, donated goods for the benefit of Opportunity House, and the inventory is made available to residents when they need suitable clothing and shoes.
Supporting the Work of Opportunity House
Financial support via government grants, corporate donations, and private individuals means a great deal to Opportunity House. We depend on these sources of support. From donations of time to money and items, resources given to Opportunity House are vital to our continued work.
Volunteers who sign up to prepare and serve a meal, plan and work at a fundraising event, or offer a day of service make a substantial difference for the benefit of the community’s homeless population.
Financial donors to Opportunity House provide the most direct impact. You can give online, via mail, or in person. We also hold several fundraising events throughout the year, including the Community Garden Harvest; Souper Bowl; Wine, Women, and Shoes; and a Golf Event.
Whether you’d like to make your gift on a one-time or recurring basis, in honor of a loved one, a milestone event, or even anonymously, we can make it possible. Corporate donations allow organizations to support the community as well.
Volunteering your time is another way to donate to Opportunity House. We offer opportunities for individuals as well as groups to gift their time. School clubs, civic organizations, church groups, and others may plan a day of service. We also welcome you to prepare and serve meals, help plan and host fundraisers, and assist in stocking or greeting customers at OppShop.
Finally, we welcome donations of new items we regularly use at the emergency shelter and gently used items for resale at OppShop.
For almost 40 years, Opportunity House’s emergency shelter has housed and helped the homeless population of Berks County. We’re grateful for all who donate to homeless charities in Pennsylvania, whether they contribute financially or through volunteering or item donations. Contact us today for more information about our programs, and if you need housing, contact us by clicking here.
